U.S.-based band, Pride of New York, will headline a lively weekend of traditional Irish music instruction and performance at the ninth annual Minnesota Irish Music Weekend (MIM) June 10-12 at the Center for Irish Music, 836 N. Prior Ave., St. Paul.
Distinguished band members and teaching artists include Cherish the Ladies founder and leader Joanie Madden, All-Ireland Senior Championship winners Brian Conway (fiddle) and Billy McComiskey (button accordion), and keyboard and flute player Brendan Dolan. Traditional singer Sheila Shigley from the Celtic band Navan rounds out the lineup. The event offers a free Friday night Great Session Experience, a Saturday-night concert featuring all visiting artists as well as workshops and lectures for children, teens and adults. Workshop and concert prices range from $6 to $225 for a weekend package and can be found online at www.centerforirishmusic.org/mim.
The Friday, June 10, Great Session Experience, is a free event bringing together the Twin Cities Irish music community with six simultaneous sessions, including one dedicated to song. Other activities include community meals, sessions throughout the weekend, and a Saturday, June 11, Master Artist Concert, featuring all of the visiting artists.